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Bias and careers: Evidence from the aid effectiveness literature

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  • Doucouliagos, Hristos
  • Hinz, Thomas
  • Zigova, Katarina

Abstract

We collect data on the careers of 189 authors who published aid effectiveness estimates during the 1970 to 2011 period, and apply meta-regression analysis to investigate the impact of authors' careers on the degree of selectivity in which results are reported. Among non-tenured researchers, publication selection bias and research inflation are increasing with age, on average. This bias is highest among older non-tenured researchers. In search for channels, we find suggestive evidence that a portion of the preferential reporting in favour of aid effectiveness is associated with non-tenured authors’ links with aid agencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Doucouliagos, Hristos & Hinz, Thomas & Zigova, Katarina, 2022. "Bias and careers: Evidence from the aid effectiveness literature," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:poleco:v:71:y:2022:i:c:s0176268021000550
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2021.102056
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Aid; Tenure; Publication selection bias; Meta-regression analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • C18 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Methodolical Issues: General
    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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